Reddit Users Say These Aldi Brands Are Gems: Here’s What Beat Out Name Brands at Half the Price
From brioche buns to chocolate bars, discover the budget-friendly finds shoppers can't live without
Love a good deal? Aldi grocery stores offer low prices on everyday essentials, treats, seasonal finds and more. But here’s the best part: Those budget-friendly store brands aren’t just cheaper—loyal customers say they actually taste better than the name brands you’ve been buying for years. From sweet cookies to savory dips, Aldi offers unique and tasty products that customers have said easily beat out their better-known competitors. Below, Reddit users spill their secrets about which products are absolute must-haves.
Aldi products shoppers adore
In a recent Reddit thread, loyal Aldi customers were asked to weigh in about their must-have items that, in their eyes, have no competition. “What are the true gems found on the shelves?” the original poster asked.
Here are some of the top answers:
Brioche buns
These soft, pillowy buns are made with fresh egg and butter, resulting in a rich taste. You can buy the traditional buns in a 6-count ($4.25) or get them topped with sesame seeds. There’s also a 6-pack of Brioche hamburger buns available for $3.75.
“They’re perfect for making fake lobster rolls (with Aldi krab of course!),” suggested one shopper. “Toast them, butter them and top them with the krab mix (krab, diced red onion, diced celery, old bay seasoning).”
Moser Roth chocolate
These delicious chocolate bars ($3.65) come in several flavors like dark chocolate cranberry, mint dark chocolate, dark chili chocolate and Madagascan vanilla white chocolate. (The plain dark chocolate bars are just as popular, however!) What many people love is that each bar inside the package is individually wrapped.
“It’s actually crazy how Aldi has figured this out when most other brands haven’t,” shared a customer. “For like $2, I can get five perfect little chocolate bars to put in a lunchbox for the week. That feels so much better to me than paying like $4 for a large bar that I have to decide to either break up myself or eat in one sitting.”
Pub-style pretzels
Pretzels are a perfect snack, but what makes this Aldi variety so enticing is the garlic and onion seasoning. It’s a powerful flavor combo that many can’t get enough of!
“I just discovered these this week and wow they are so good, addicting even!” commented one fan.
At just $2.09 for a 12-oz. bag, these deliver snack time satisfaction without breaking the bank.
Dill dip
Dill-flavored snacks are more popular than ever right now, so it’s no surprise Aldi has joined in the trend. But one particular product stands out: the Park Street Dill Veggie Dip! The 14-oz. container ($4.39) is filled with a rich and creamy blend of sour cream and fresh dill.
“This spread on grilled garlic naan, with cucumber, tomato, lettuce and diced chicken thighs marinated in the Aldi Greek dressing (plastic bottle)…thank me later,” quipped a shopper.
Frozen vegetable medleys
Veggie lovers will certainly appreciate what Aldi has to offer in the frozen section of the store. Shoppers agreed that the frozen vegetable medleys (starting at $1.29) are great quality no matter what variety you choose.
“Other brands tend to be either all carrots or things like the broccoli and cauliflower [that] are all stems, not florets,” shares a customer. “Aldi, on the other hand, is consistently a good mix and mostly florets. Not only are they superior in quality, they are generally half the price of others!”
Look for options like the California Medley or Asian Medley, both of which are steamable!
Hint of lime chips
Love tangy tortilla chips? You won’t be able to resist the Clancy’s variety at Aldi ($2.09 for a 13-oz. bag)! They’re seasoned with salt and lime for a zesty flavor punch that’ll have you reaching for more.
“More than a hint of lime for sure, which is why I love them,” revealed a shopper.
Try enjoying yours with salsa, queso or guacamole or straight up!
Best budget-friendly dupes that beat the name brands
Reddit users also rave about Aldi brand foods that taste better than their name-brand counterparts. In another thread, more than 300 loyal shoppers have chimed in to share their top recommendations.
Next time you’re going grocery shopping consider these top picks:
Cheese Club Shells and Cheese vs. Velveeta Shells and Cheese
For nights when you’re craving creamy, cheesy pasta in a jiffy, boxed mac and cheese is a must! And Aldi’s versions of this pantry staple are a go-to for many. “Their shells and cheese taste so much better to me than Velveeta!” shared one commenter.
The grocery store chain offers original Shells and Cheese ($1.19), plus more flavorful options like Premium Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese and Premium White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese, which each come with their own squeezable cheese pouch.
If you prefer Kraft, shoppers say the Aldi brand beats out that one too! “I grew up on their macaroni and I still prefer it over Kraft,” said another commenter.
Choceur Peanut Butter Cups vs. Reese’s
Chocolate and peanut butter are a classic combo, which is why Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are so popular. But many have said Aldi’s own version of the candy (sold under the Choceur brand for $5.75 for a 12-oz. bag) is a much better option.
“I like the higher PB to chocolate ratio, and I prefer the peanut butter,” commented a shopper. “Reese’s peanut butter is almost gritty in comparison.”
The company promises that each peanut butter cup will melt in your mouth and is a perfectly sweet combo of peanut butter and chocolate.
Benton Sandwich Cookies vs. Oreos
It may seem hard to compete with Oreo cookies, but in the eyes of many Aldi fans, Benton’s Sandwich Creme Cookies ($2.95 for a family-sized package) come out on top every time.
“They taste like (an) old-fashioned 1960s version of Oreos. My obsession as a kid,” said one Reddit user. “Then they changed the recipe and the obsession was gone. Once I tasted these I was hooked! Always stock up on them!”
The Duplex sandwich variety features sweet crème sandwiched between one vanilla and one chocolate cookie. You can also opt for the vanilla variety, which only has vanilla cookies.
Savoritz Cheddar Turtles vs. Goldfish Crackers
Following in Pepperidge Farm’s footsteps with underwater-inspired snacks, Aldi offers Turtle Baked Cheddar Snack Crackers ($4.29). Though their flavor options are limited compared to Goldfish crackers, the basic cheddar is a huge hit.
“My grandkids had a meltdown when I ran out of Turtles in the pantry,” one person wrote. “I had bought a bag of Goldfish. They went stale before they would eat them. I can buy 2 boxes of Turtles for the price of a smaller bag of Goldfish.”
Other commenters agreed that kids (and adults) love these baked cheesy crackers.
Baker’s Treat Peanut Butter Wafers vs. Nutty Buddy Wafer Bars
Much like their name-brand counterparts, these sweets ($2.15) feature peanut butter and crispy wafers coated in rich chocolate. The product description for Aldi describes the wafers as a “standout” choice, so it’s no surprise customers can’t get enough of them.
Many fans pointed out how much better they are than the Little Debbie variety, with others adding that they’re also half the price.
Mama Cozzi’s Pizza Snacks vs. Totino’s Pizza Rolls
When you’re craving pizza but don’t have the appetite for a whole pie, pizza rolls are a great option. Aldi’s “pizza snacks” ($6.05) come filled with sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese—all baked in a golden crust. The alternative variety at other stores has “tomato puree” and “imitation mozzarella cheese” listed in its ingredients.
It seems shoppers have taken notice of the difference in ingredient quality. “Regular Totino’s pizza rolls taste like plastic cheese,” someone said in response as to why they loved Mama Cozzi’s pizza snacks.
Reggano Cheesy Skillet Dinner Kit vs Hamburger Helper
Hamburger Helper is a staple for many families on a budget or in need of a speedy yet filling meal. Aldi has its own version of this boxed meal kit ($2.85) that fans say beats out the original. “So much better than the name brand!” shared one commenter.
You can buy it in either a 12.8-oz box of the Ultimate Cheeseburger variety or the 11.6-oz Creamy Beef Stroganoff.
Are Aldi products made by big brands?
Though it may be surprising that there are so many Aldi-only favorites among shoppers, the manufacturing process of items at the grocery store chain might provide a little insight as to why the items taste so good.
According to a GoBankingRates.com article from 2023, there are rumors that there are major companies behind some of Aldi’s store brands.
- Bimbo Bakeries: bakery products (It also manufactures products for Mrs. Baird’s, Entenmann’s and BallPark Buns & Rolls.)
- House of Flavors: ice cream
- Malt-O-Meal/Post: cereals (It also manufactures products for Frosted Flakes, Raisin Bran and Shredded Wheat.)
It hasn’t been confirmed, however, how many Aldi products are produced by large manufacturers that are also responsible for name brands. Regardless, you know you’ll get some delicious items at your local store, and for a fraction of the price!
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